An Izannah with a Mona Lisa Smile Sold at Withington's

It was fun to see the Izannah Walker doll at Withington's doll auction in person, in addition to a Maggie Bessie doll, a Wellington doll and a bevy of adorable Martha Chase dolls. Here are some additional images of the Izannah Walker doll from Withington's auction. All of the dolls looked better in person than in images. Something about modern cameras accentuates texture which was lesser in person. This doll had a beautiful Mona Lisa type smile. This doll also had some breaks in the arms which were ladder stitched, and some missing cloth in th lower legs and feet so that stuffing was exposed. 

After some spirited bidding it narrowed to two phone bidders slowly advancing to $15,800 hammer price. Add to that a premium of 14-17% depending on method of payment. She does have a wonderful face! 

Izannah Walker Doll SOLD

The doll pictured above was priced at $19,500 

The doll is now SOLD

R. John and Susan Wright have offered this beautiful antique Izannah Walker doll for sale (it is now sold).  This doll was formerly in the collection of Maureen Popp and was pictured in John Darcy Noble’s book “A Treasury of Beautiful Dolls”.  The Wright's have owned her for some 30 years.  The Wright's doll is very similar to the wonderful Ella doll, which can be seen here.  Ella has a provenance dating her to 1857.   The Wright's doll is very similar in body shape and construction of the head to Ella. 

Images of the body:

Dixie's NOTE:  Any purchase agreement or statement of condition or terms is strictly between the Wrights and the buyer.  Dixie Redmond and/or the Izannah Walker Chronicles are not part of the transaction in any way, and receives no compensation for featuring dolls on this blog. 

Wonderful Izannah Walker Doll to Be at Auction

It's the mission of this blog to provide wonderful images and information about original Izannah Walker dolls to those of you who love Izannah dolls. I love it when I open up my e-mail and I've received some wonderful fresh, new pictures of Izannah Walker dolls to share!

Larry of Withington Auction, Inc. sent these pictures and information, and I'm happy to post the pictures here of this astounding Izannah Walker doll with an amazing provenance!

Here is the provenance provided:


ELLA – All Original Izannah Walker
with Wardrobe & Provenance -
In the Pope Family for 148 years!

Elizabeth Coggeshall Pope was born in New Bedford, Mass on October 26, 1857. Given to little Elizabeth at her birth, the doll called ELLA, is an example of Rhode Island doll-maker Izannah Walker’s earliest works.

William Pope married Anna Coggeshall in 1836, and together they had six children, only one son, Edward Ritchie Pope – lived to maturity. Edward’s younger sister, little Elizabeth died at 2 ½ years from scarlet fever. The doll named Ella, was preserved in her memory, descended through the Pope family to the present. The child’s maternal grandmother was Elizabeth Brown of Providence, RI- the Browns were among the first settlers of the Rhode Island Colony. Izannah Walker’s Doll shop, located in Central Falls, RI, was not far from Providence and the doll was probably a gift to Elizabeth from her Rhode Island grandparents.

Ella is 17" tall
click the picture above to enlarge

Izannah Walker registered a patent for her dolls in 1873, Ella is an example of her earlier work, having applied ears, and the fact that the owner, Elizabeth, only lived from 1857 to 1860, confirms the date she was made. Ella comes with a wardrobe, and accessories, including a bonnet, traveling cape & muff, and an extra pair of red “French slippers” with striped stockings. Her condition is exceptional, in all original paint with a bit of wear and light crazing. In addition to the wardrobe, she has a paint decorated country chair which bears a date of 1824 on the bottom.

Anne Stuart Hodgson of Minnesota is the fifth generation of Popes to own this special doll. Having no heirs, the family has decided it is time to find a proper home to care for her for the next century. Withington Auction is honored to be able to present ELLA to the world. She will be sold at auction on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at the Holiday Inn in Nashua, NH. For more information please visit at www.withingtonauction.com or call 603-464-3232.